CONTESTED GROUND: The information and financial risks to national unity

Defence & Security Podcast Network

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Liam Garman, and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack how Australia’s shifting information and economic environment is deepening social rifts and reshaping national security.

Tarrant opens with the housing debate, questioning whether allowing buyers into the market with just a 5 per cent deposit strengthens opportunity or fuels instability. Garman warns that financial strain on younger Australians could erode national unity.

The conversation turns to data sovereignty and AI infrastructure, and how Australia must strengthen data protection and build infrastructure capable of expanding a sovereign AI industry.

The hosts also explore the evolving information and cyber domain, warning that influence operations and online manipulation are amplifying social division, examining a number of online influence campaigns.

Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team